Oh, mama! You've treated us so well. You hauled our friends to gymnastics class, iced one-hundred sugar cookies for the school's bake sale and even paid for all those extraneous classes toward our liberal arts degrees. Yep, we owe you a big one this Mother's Day, so that's why we're going to treat you to these sumptuous brunches and divine dinners.
Keep it classy at Aigre Doux
This glamorous River North spot will showcase its creativity with brunch options like a Niman ranch burger, nine-vegetable chopped salad, fine herb omelet and smoked salmon plate, all priced between $11-$14. Brunch is served from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Spoil mom with truffles and more at Bin 36
This lavish buffet menu will feature palate-pleasers like blueberry ricotta pancakes, eggs benedict with peekey toe crab meat and sliced prosciutto with melon. As a special treat, mothers will receive a complimentary box of homemade chocolate truffles. There's also a special spa gift basket, priced at $60, which is available for purchase. Reservations are required; adults cost $38, kids $18.
Carve out a fine meal at Birch River Grill
Settle down with Mom in the prairie-themed space for a buffet that includes a continental breakfast, omelets and a carving station that serves ham, top sirloin and maple-glazed salmon. Guest can also indulge in a raw bar with oysters, mussels and cocktail shrimp. Brunch is served from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and costs $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids.
Ease into the day with a taste of the Big Easy at Bistro 110
Celebrate mom's bubbly personality with a glass of champagne and a jazzy brunch. Chef Dominique Tougne will whip up some Mom-inspired specials, as well as serve its regular New Orleans-inspired brunch menu.
Add some spice to her day at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
If mama's getting a little spicy in her old age, head to this tapas joint for an impressive build-you-own bloody mary bar, cava cocktails and brunch options like Spanish tortilla, scrambled eggs with jamon or Idiazabel cheese and chorizo hash. Brunch will go from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and dishes cost around $5.
Score mom free champagne at Cafe Selmarie
In addition to the regular menu, you'll find salmon eggs benedict, corned beef hash and sweet banana-pecan pancakes. Make sure to toast mom: She gets a complimentary mimosa or glass of champagne with her meal (9 a.m.-3 p.m.).
Win big at Carlucci
Carlucci's yummy brunch menu will include egg tortas in pastry puffs (with ingredients like red peppers, Italian sausage, gorgonzola and zucchini), stuffed crepes and other breakfast specials, along with its regular menu. Each mom can enter to win a "Mom's Night Out," which includes $50 toward a babysitter, dinner for two at Carlucci and two movie theatre passes.
Get mama a mojito at Carnivale
Head to Carnivale to sample its menu peppered with Latino flavor. Mother's Day specials include morel mushroom, goat cheese and organic egg empanada, a wood-roasted leg of lamb, baked bing-cherry crepes and a Mama's Mojito priced at $8.75. Moms will also receive a complimentary box of truffles and a $10 gift certificate towards lunch service.
Bask in the sun-filled patio at Dine
This '40s-style American restaurant's $29 prix-fixe buffet ($15 for kids) features an omelet station, French toast, pancakes, potato hash and smoked salmon with bagels. There's also an assortment of heartier entree options, salads, and Dine's delectable desserts. If the weather cooperates, check out the outdoor patio.
Make her feel special at Flatwater
For $35, treat mom to brunch al fresco at Flatwater, where Chef Todd Ryan Downing will present a special menu for her special day. Bonus: Mom gets a free bellini or mimosa. Brunch is available from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Order a la carte at Flight
This sophisticated, suburban spot will celebrate Mother's Day with a special brunch menu including asparagus and ham frittatas, banana's foster-stuffed French toast (yum!), eggs benny with citrus hollandaise and a quiche du jour. Items are priced a la carte and range from $10-$26.
Go with a when-in-Rome mentality at Gioco
For the Italian mamas out there, Gioco will host a cozy feast reminiscent of Mother's Day in Rome. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m., order goodies like Frittata al Forno (with cherry tomatoes, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella), insalata with smoked salmon and caviar pinwheels and the Tagliata de Manzo (a wood-grilled rib eye with truffle Hollandaise sauce).
Chug suds at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
For moms who can drink their 21-year-olds under the table, this national chain will serve an array of hearty sandwiches, pasta and more—along with freshly brewed beers from its signature menu. Lunch starts at 11 a.m.
Skip the bleachers and head to Harry Caray's
For a Cubs-crazed Mom, what could be better than spending Mother's Day at Harry Caray's? Come in for the 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. seatings. Brunch costs $35.95 for adults, $18.95 for children ages six-12 and free for children five and younger. Champagne and all non-alcoholic beverages are included. If mom prefers a fancy dinner, Harry Caray's offers a four-course prix-fixe dinner for $65.95 per person with wine pairings or $49.95 without. Look forward to Alaskan Halibut, filet mignon and white chocolate mousse.
Find dressed-up diner fare at Horizon Cafe
This classic diner's atypical Mother's Day specials include six-cheese pasta purses, a boneless bacon-wrapped pork chop and Athenian tilapia. All are priced at $11.95 and include a soup or salad. Added bonus: All ladies receive a complimentary flower.
Brunch in the 'burbs at Karma
This gorgeous, Asian-French fusion spot will celebrate mommies with a brunch buffet priced at $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids. Elegant salads, specialty breakfast dishes and a carving station with herb- and garlic-crusted prime rib and ginger honey baked ham round out the decadent menu, available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Let mom find her inner diva at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Take the stage mothers in your life to this cabaret-style lounge. The four-course prix-fixe menu begins with homemade beignets and goat cheese souffle. The main event features items like crab cakes benedict, steak and eggs and cherries jubilee French toast, while the desserts range from a fresh fruit and yogurt plate to flourless chocolate cake. And (if mom can handle it) enjoy a special performance by Kit Kat's own Diva Madam X.
Sup fusion fare at Le Lan
Treat your Mama to this French-Vietnamese gem with a $35 three-course menu and complimentary pomegranate sparklers for moms. Its first course boasts treats like smoked-trout salad and Thai coconut soup, while the entrees range from sizzling short ribs to zucchini-wrapped tilapia. The final dessert course is a surprise.
Enjoy the once-a-year brunch at McCormick & Schmick's (Gold Coast)
From 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., stop by this seafood joint that only serves brunch on Mother's Day. For $24.95 per person, you and your mom can sample a variety of pastries, smoked seafood, Alaskan crab, eggs, waffles, tropical fruit and fettuccini alfredo.
Relax in the garden at Mon Ami Gabi
Get the most out of Mother's Day by enjoying bistro fare outside in the restaurant's charming garden. From 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., try items like shrimp and scallop crepes, vanilla French toast on brioche and eggs benedict with a choice of Canadian bacon, smoked salmon or steak. You'll also find a make-your-own bloody mary bar.
Eat affordable Irish fare at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
This upscale Irish spot offers a buffet that penny-pinching moms will appreciate. For only $14.95 per person, you'll enjoy a corned beef carving station, traditional burgers with mash, Irish toast and breakfast pastries. Hours are from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Hear jazz, drink bubby at Pops for Champagne
Forget brunch. At Pops, mothers get into its jazz club sans cover charge all weekend long. The Ryan Cohen quartet will play Friday and Saturday night. Buy mom a glass of Duval-Leroy rose, "Lady Rose" champagne, for $15 or a half bottle for $35. Fork over $40 and momma will receive hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries to go along with it.
Sip free mimosas at Riva (Navy Pier)
Stop by Riva from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for its brunch buffet, which costs $40.95 per adult and $20.95 per kid (five-11). Guests receive complimentary mimosas to wash down items like Belgian waffles, build-your-own omelets, roasted meat from the carving station and seafood.
Make it a Mexican affair at Salpicon
Moms who get a kick outta spicy food will love Salpicon. This high-end Mexican restaurant offers special a la carte brunch and dinner menus (prices range $7-$26) from 11 am.-7 p.m. You'll find items like camarones al carbon (grilled tiger shrimp with avocado-tomatillo or spicy roasted-tomato sauces garnished with fresh mango), huevos rancheros and pollo en mole poblano (free-range chicken breasts charcoal-grilled in mole).
Dine up high at the Signature Room at the 95th
Take mom to new heights at the Signature Room. From 10 a.m.-7 p.m., she can dine on a buffet with more than 50 items. Live jazz will keep mom on her toes between indulging in carved meats, malted waffles, pasta, a variety of cheeses, domestic caviar, seafood and a variety of desserts. It costs $58 per adult and $25 for children ages four-12 (a separate kids menu is available).
Dress up or dress down at Spiaggia and Cafe Spiaggia
Whatever you fancy, this duo has what you're looking for. If you like an air of extravagance, splurge for Spiaggia's $95 four-course brunch with a choice of antipasto, pasta, entree and dessert. If your mom's more low-key, hop over to Cafe Spiaggia for a hearty, home-style Italian lunch or dinner.
Let mom craft her meal at Stained Glass Wine Bar
Make mom feel classier than ever and take her to this sleek and serene spot in Evanston for a three-course prix-fixe meal. For $35 a head, Chef Hernandez will cook for mom, and let her pick from a few special items for each course.
Love the Latin twist at SushiSamba Rio
Add a bit of Latin/Asian flair to your Mother's Day with SushiSamba's family-style brunch. Listen to a Brazilian jazz band as you choose from exotic dishes like Asian pear pancakes, the Sunday Samba Roll, pan-seared Chilean sea bass and doce de leite French toast. The funky fare will cost you $30, with a two guest minimum.
Make your own maki at Tsuki Japanese Restaurant & Lounge
For the first time, Tsuki will feature a "Make Your Own Sushi Dinner" for Mother's Day. An array of sushi-makin' ingredients will be brought to your table, as well as how-to instructions for mom. She'll enjoy two complimentary hand rolls, hot sake and green-tea ice cream. The festivities will go from 4:30-10 p.m.
Meet the chef at Vermilion
Vermilion comes through for mom all day with brunch and dinner specials. From noon-3 p.m., you'll find items like migas frittata, a Latin-infused egg dish, or the kathi roll, flatbread with egg and mint chutney ($14-$22). Dinner, served from 5-10 p.m., offers Vermilion's expansive a la carte menu. For a special treat, mom can indulge in the ultimate chef's table: A trip to the kitchen to meet the chef and toast other mom's with a signature fizz cocktail.
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